Page 58 of Need You

Page List

Font Size:

“Under ordinary circumstances I might consider it, but I’m trying to reestablish myself and don’t think it’s a good idea. I wouldn’t want people to find out that I was secretly designing for you and think that’s the direction I’m moving in.” Besides, her goal was to reestablish herself, not design in anonymity.

“Why? They’re great pants.”

“Because I don’t do athletic wear. My brand is high fashion.”

“But you just said you’re reestablishing your brand.”

He was starting to wear her down, and she said, “You’re starting to remind me of my ex.”

“Uh-oh, that can’t be good.” His mouth curved into a mischievous smile and she could see how women would find him incredibly appealing.

“He’s relentless and a very good businessman,” she said.

Their food came and it gave her a moment’s reprieve. She suspected that TJ wasn’t finished making his pitch. She bit into her sandwich as Deb talked about the upcoming kayak races. She was on the Morning Glory’s tandem team.

“So Colt’s racing for Glory Junction PD,” Deb said.

“Yep. It’s Josh and me for GA this year.”

“What about Win?”

“Win sucks at paddling.”

“The way I see it, without Colt racing for you guys, the contest is wide open.”

“You’re delusional, Deb. We’ll win it like we do every year. But if you’d like to wager a little bet on it, I’m game.”

She considered it for a few seconds. “I’ll think about it. I want to know who’s partnering with Colt first.”

Delaney was coming to the conclusion that this supposedly friendly end of the summer race was even more competitive than she’d originally thought.

“Jack,” TJ responded.

“Deb,” Felix, the owner, bellowed, “no time for chitchat.” He pointed to the line that had formed outside on the sidewalk.

“Gotta go.” Deb took off to take orders from the other tables.

TJ cut into his biscuits and gravy, and Delaney wondered how he could eat that way and stay so trim.

“What if besides buying the design, we gave you a cut of the profits?” he asked in between bites. “My idea is to eventually do an online store. We could be talking big money.”

“I’ll think about it, TJ.” Which she would. “But it would be a big change from what I do and I have to be certain that it won’t hurt my commercial image.”

He nodded in understanding. “Still, it seems a shame to let such a good design go to waste. With a few modifications, they could be the Rolls-Royce of cargo pants.”

Not that she wanted to be known for creating the “Rolls-Royce” of cargo pants, but she was inquisitive about the modifications. At the same time, she didn’t want to encourage TJ.

“So are you and my brother seeing each other?” he asked.

“No.” The man certainly cut to the chase. “We’re just neighbors.”

“Really? I got the impression the other night that maybe you two might be dating. Ever since . . . uh, he doesn’t get out much.”

“Ever since Lisa?”

TJ just about spit his coffee out. “He told you about her?”

“Yes. I didn’t realize it was a secret.”